WhatsApp quoteBelow you will find a practical, step-by-step explanation of the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland, followed by answers to the questions clients ask us most. In our experience, this guide from GoldenKey explains the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland in plain language, with the costs, supporting documents and timelines you should expect in 2026.
Key takeaways
- Licence packages in Dubai Mainland start from AED 15,000; visas, office and approvals are added on top.
- Logistics & Freight Forwarding is a commercial activity, so check for external approvals before budgeting.
- Renewal in year two is lower than the first-year total because registration fees are one-off.
- Ask for a written total that separates government fees from GoldenKey's service fee.
Background
A How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Businesses that benefit most from How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Popular districts for a How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall.
What to do, in order
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. Your portal shows the status of this step for the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
As we tell every client, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. Your portal shows the status of this step for the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland in real time.
Documents you will need
Keep these ready before you start:
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
Costs
Crucially, government fees change from time to time; the figures on this page update automatically when they do. Prices for the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland are drawn from GoldenKey's live price list and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland predictable. In short, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland and makes international pricing simple.
How GoldenKey helps
Put simply, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in Dubai Mainland happen the same day they are ready.
As a rule, start your How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland company?
In our experience, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Are How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
What is the difference between How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
How long does How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland company formation take?
With paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
